Sought after for their artistic qualities almost immediately, these antique radiator mascots from The Mitosinka Collection represent all manner of marques and models. Even from the beginning of OEM mascot manufacturing in the early 1910s, the relative rarity of each style (and relative looseness of period brand identities) meant that each mascot represented a truly personal choice.

RM Sotheby’s automobilia expert Kurt Forry guides us through some of the most fascinating mascots from The Mitosinka Collection:

Egyptienne Mascot, ca. 1920s-1930s

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200 USD | Offered Without Reserve

Forry begins with an exploration of Egypt-inspired mascots, including this beguiling figurine: “Egyptian revival of decorative arts was a style in Western art, popular in the early nineteenth century, in which Egyptian motifs were applied to a wide variety of decorative arts objects and, eventually, automobile mascots would be included. Take, for example, this Egyptienne Mascot, ca. 1920s-1930s. Note the extremely fine detailed cloisonné work on the loincloth hanging from her waist. This mascot also exists in a non-cloisonné loincloth version. Certainly, there was a nominal price for the upgrade almost 100 years ago.”

Stutz DV32 Mascot

Estimate: $900 - $1,200 USD | Offered Without Reserve

Forry continues with a mascot from a legend of early American motoring—Stutz: “Fine Stutz automobiles were fitted with an artist rendition of the ancient Egyptian sun god Ra between 1926 and 1935. Egyptian historical imagery shows Ra with the head of a falcon adorned with a serpent headpiece. The Stutz Ra shows a winged serpent headdress, and a handsome young face replaces the mythical falcon. Buyer beware, though, only the authentic Stutz mascot carries the markings “S.M.C. Co. of America, Indianapolis, Ind. Pat. Feb. 2, 1926” on the nape of the neck.”

Winged Nude Mascot, ca.1920s

Estimate: $700 - $900 USD | Offered Without Reserve

“The winged nude is also revival-inspired. Note the headpiece and the mythical winged arms, clearly resembling Isis. In mascot catalogs of yesteryear, dozens of mascots of different designs were all named ‘Egyptienne,’ sourced from different manufacturers, artists, and distributors,” Forry says.

McFarland TV6 Mascot, ca. 1925

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300 USD | Offered Without Reserve

When it comes to OEM mascots, the value can depend on the relative obscurity of the brand: “In regards to the manufacturer-made pieces (like, for instance, the McFarland), these period mascots for top-tier brands were made in limited batches. And the more obscure and elevated the brand, the more money a potential future restoration would cost. So, in some ways, buying a rare mascot is essentially investing in the future value of a storied brand.”

Diana Mascot, ca. 1925-1928

Estimate: $700 - $900 USD | Offered Without Reserve

“The Diana Motors Company was a short-lived subsidiary of St. Louis, Missouri’s Moon Motor Company, which operated between June 1925 and January 1928. Dianas were ‘assembled’ cars, meaning that they were put together with parts and components sourced outside of the company. Here is a wonderful example of the extremely rare Diana 8 mascot. Featuring the Goddess of the Hunt, elegantly drawing her bow in a skyward fashion, this example still shows signs of her original guilt paint and is in fine condition.” Forry says.

Packard Mascot, ca. 1930s

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200 USD | Offered Without Reserve

One of the finest American manufacturers, Packard, was not known for any one style of mascot. “Packard ran from 1899 to 1955 and had nearly 20 different varieties of mascots and hood ornaments. We have a near-mint 1934 Packard Goddess of Speed, perfectly zinc die-cast and chromed by Stant Manufacturing. These are somewhat common in the collector community, but this piece is not believed to have ever been fitted to a car.”

Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow Tireur d'Arc

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000 USD | Offered Without Reserve

Pierce-Arrow, another of America’s finest pre-war brands, had a strong brand identity that was interpreted differently on different models. Forry says, “This extremely rare, 1933 Archer was an all-in-one, integrated mascot and cap that measures 6 inches in diameter, almost like a teacup saucer. Technically, this was the fit for all Pierce-Arrows from 1933, including the Club Sedan, Salon, Sedans, up to the 7-Passenger Limousine.”

Pierce-Arrow Tireur d'Arc Mascot by WN Schnell, 1931

Estimate: $600 - $800 USD | Offered Without Reserve

“This 1931-1932 Tireur d’Arc Mascot was used on the V-12 models and shows markings from WN Schnell. Our example is missing its bow and arrow.”

Pierce-Arrow Mascot, ca. 1930s

Estimate: $600 - $900 USD | Offered Without Reserve

“Produced from 1934 to 1937, this kneeling archer on an arrowhead is in exceptional condition,” Forry continues.

Pierce-Arrow Mascot, ca. 1926-27

Estimate: $400 - $600 USD | Offered Without Reserve

“Another Pierce-Arrow mascot of note is this ‘Pierce Wheel,’ which emphasizes the arrow and eschews the archer.”

Pierce-Arrow Standard Non Mascot, ca. 1934-38

Estimate: $700 - $900 USD | Offered Without Reserve

“Our final Pierce-Arrow mascot was an option for the Pierce owner who wanted a completely subtle look. Rarely did anyone choose the non-mascot option, but the company had to produce a radiator cap to mount over the curved radiator, and this streamlined arrowhead was their solution.”